Frequently Asked Questions

Our tuner uses Web Audio API pitch detection with autocorrelation algorithm, accurate to within ±5-10 cents. This is precise enough for professional musicians. Accuracy depends on your microphone quality and ambient noise levels.

First, check that you've granted microphone permission when prompted. Make sure your microphone is working by testing it in another app. Reduce background noise and ensure you're playing clearly. If using an electric guitar, make sure it's plugged in. Some browsers may require you to use HTTPS.

Guitar Tuner Ultra supports: Acoustic Guitars (6-string), Electric Guitars (6-string), Ukuleles (4-string), and Mandolins (8-string). Each has multiple tuning presets plus custom tuning options.

For guitars, we support Standard (EADGBE), Drop D (DADGBE), and Open G (DGDGBD) tunings. For ukuleles, we support Standard (GCEA). All instruments support custom tuning where you can specify each string's frequency.

Once the page loads, most of the tuner works offline since pitch detection happens locally on your device. However, initial page load requires internet. The first time you visit, assets are cached by your browser.

The tuner displays the deviation from your target note in cents. "Sharp" (↑) means the frequency is higher than target—loosen the string. "Flat" (↓) means it's lower—tighten the string. The needle shows the exact deviation.

The gauge shows cents deviation from the target note. The needle moves left for flat notes and right for sharp notes. When the needle is centered (0 cents), you've reached the target frequency. A green checkmark appears when in tune.

Yes! Guitar Tuner Ultra is fully responsive and works on iOS and Android devices. On iOS, use Safari for best results. Grant microphone permission when prompted. Landscape orientation is recommended for the best experience.

We need microphone access to hear the sound from your instrument. Permission is requested by your browser for security and privacy. We don't record, store, or transmit audio—all processing happens locally on your device.

A barre chord is when you press multiple strings with a single finger (usually the index finger) across a fret. For example, the F major chord (133211) requires barring the 1st fret. Barre chords take practice but unlock many chord shapes.

Chord diagrams show 6 vertical lines (strings) and horizontal lines (frets). Numbers show which fret to press. "O" means play the open string, "X" means don't play it. The thick line at the top represents the headstock.

Standard tuning (EADGBE) is the most common. Drop D tuning (DADGBE) lowers the 6th string from E to D, creating a deeper sound. Drop D is popular in rock and metal. You can tune down using the tuner's Drop D preset.

Open G tuning (DGDGBD) tunes strings to form a G major chord when played open. It's popular for blues, bottleneck guitar, and slide guitar. It changes the tone character and enables different playing techniques.

Yes! Select "Custom" in the tuning selector to define your own tuning. Specify the frequency (Hz) or note name for each string. Custom tunings are saved locally in your browser for future use.

Yes, Guitar Tuner Ultra is completely free! No accounts, no ads, no in-app purchases. We believe quality tools should be accessible to all musicians.

Use a high-quality microphone in a quiet environment. Play each string clearly and sustain the note for a moment. Keep the microphone at a consistent distance. Let the tuner detect the pitch for a moment before adjusting. Fresh strings and a well-maintained instrument also help.

Yes, but we recommend tuning before you go on stage in a quiet area. During performance, the ambient noise from the venue may affect accuracy. Consider having a backup tuner for critical moments.